Traveling to Bali: Entry Requirements, Visas, and What to Know

To travel to Bali, you’ll need a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and proof of an onward or return flight. Most travelers from countries like the US, UK, and UAE can enter Indonesia with a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which does not currently require proof of COVID-19 vaccination. However, those applying for a B211A visa must still present a vaccination certificate. 

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Indonesia has lifted most COVID-19-related travel restrictions, but visa regulations are frequently updated. Before flying, it’s important to confirm the latest requirements for your visa type and nationality, as entry rules may vary. 

For those headed to Bali, our article on Bali Travel Restrictions offers the latest on the subject. With that said, let’s delve into the travel requirements for Bali so you can start to plan your trip. 

Updated Bali Entry Rules for Tourists 

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Indonesia has re-opened its borders to global citizens for some time now. People from certain countries, such as the US, the UAE, and England, can enter the country with a Visa on Arrival (VOA) as long as they fulfill entry requirements, such as having a valid passport and an onward flight ticket. 

Required Documents for Entering Bali 

The US is among several countries eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA)  to travel to Indonesia. As of now, most travelers entering the country with a VOA don’t need to have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, with Bali entry requirements including a valid passport and flight bookings.  

At the time of writing, travelers entering Bali with a VOA must have the following documents:

  • Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six more months after the date of entry into Indonesia. That means you should ensure your passport doesn’t expire within the next half year. 
  • Flight bookings: Proof of an outbound flight from Indonesia (i.e. onward or roundtrip ticket) is necessary. 

It’s important to note that a COVID-19 vaccination certificate is still mandatory for those traveling to Indonesia on a B211A visa. 

Bali Travel Advice on COVID-19 Measures 

Even though most travelers won’t need to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to enter Indonesia, there are still COVID-19-related protocols to be aware of. For example, you may need to show your vaccination certificate to enter certain public places, among other suggestions. 

Is a PCR Test Needed for Bali Travel? 

Even though a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test isn’t needed to enter Indonesia, some airlines might ask for it. Your best bet is to check with the airline you’re traveling to Bali with to ensure that they don’t require a PCR test either. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate Rules for Bali

Travelers are advised to download the Satu Sehat app to register their COVID-19 vaccination certificate. That way, you can access restricted public places with ease. 

Mask Guidelines While in Bali 

While you don’t have to wear a mask everywhere you go, it’s recommended to put one on if you’re feeling unwell or if you think you might have COVID-19. 

Is Travel Insurance Required for Bali? 

Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is no longer mandatory in Indonesia, but it’s still essential to secure a travel insurance plan if you don’t already have one. This can help you avoid hefty out-of-pocket payments and travel with peace of mind. 

As always, be sure to check Bali entry requirements before traveling. Note that, despite being a reliable source, the information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia’s website can be delayed. Your local embassy or consulate can offer relevant and updated information. 

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What to Know About Bali’s Visa on Arrival 

Tourists can only enter Indonesia with a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Prior to the pandemic, tourists had two options for entering Indonesia. The first was to enter without a visa, offering a maximum stay of 30 days. The other option was to buy a Visa on Arrival, which is the only option at present.

How to Get a Visa on Arrival in Bali 

Travelers from over 90 countries do not need to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) ahead of time. You can either purchase a VOA upon arrival at any Indonesian airport (e.g. Bali and Jakarta) or obtain an electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) before departure to avoid paperwork or queueing at the airport.

A VOA for Indonesia costs around USD $35 (IDR Rp 500,000) and allows tourists to stay in the country for 30 days. 

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How to Apply for Bali’s eVOA 

Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) for Indonesia has been available to several nationalities, including the US and the UK, since November 2022. While the same conditions as the Visa on Arrival (VOA) apply, you can process it online instead of at an Indonesian airport up to 90 days before departure. 

eVOA applications can be done via The Official e-Visa Website for Indonesia and also costs around USD $35 (IDR Rp 500,000). 

Extending Your VOA or eVOA in Bali

An additional 30-day extension is possible for both electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) and Visa on Arrival (VOA) holders, bringing the total length of stay to 60 days. Those planning on staying in Indonesia for over 30 days should begin the visa extension process soon after arriving in Indonesia.

Note: Be sure to secure your eVOA from the official Indonesian Immigration website. There are lots of scammer websites that pretend to be authentic, so ensure that the domain is related to: imigrasi.go.id.

Visa-Free Entry for ASEAN Travelers

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The Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEA) is a free 30-day VOA that’s available to citizens from ASEAN nations including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. A key difference from the Visa on Arrival (VOA) and electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) visas is that this visa cannot be extended. 

Since the Indonesian VEA allows holders to stay in the country for 30 days at most, travelers from an ASEAN nation who wish to stay for over 30 days should pay for one of the aforementioned tourist visas. Along with Indonesia, other ASEAN countries include: 

  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Cambodia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

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Long-Term Bali Visa: The B211A Guide

If your country isn’t on the list of Visa on Arrival (VOA) or Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEA) countries and/or you plan on staying for over 60 days, then you’ll need a B211A Visit Visa. This is a Single Entry Visa that can be extended twice (60 days at a time), giving you 180 days in total.

Since it is a Single Entry Visa, you cannot leave the country and come back with the same visa. This 60-day extendable visa is the ideal option for digital nomads, and is available to nationals from all countries except Israel, Nigeria, and 8 others. 

Nationals from the following 10 countries cannot apply for the B211A Visit Visa for Indonesia at present and must contact their embassy outside of Indonesia directly instead. 

  1. Afghanistan
  2. Bangladesh
  3. Cameroon
  4. Guinea
  5. Israel
  6. Kosovo 
  7. Liberia
  8. Nigeria
  9. North Korea
  10. Somalia 

A Single Entry B211A Visa (valid for 60 days) costs around USD $135 (IDR Rp 500,000). 

Other Indonesia Visa Options Explained 

It’s imperative for those entering Indonesia from an airport or port that doesn’t issue a Visa on Arrival (VOA) to apply for a visa before traveling, whether for business or leisure. 

Since Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration (DGI) doesn’t automatically extend expired visas or stay permits anymore, it’s important to contact DGI for further information. If you’re in Indonesia, consult them to confirm your visa/permit’s validity and renewal options to avoid overstaying. 

If you’re outside Indonesia and plan to return, you can either contact DGI or your nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate to find out if you can renew your current or expired stay permit or apply for a new visa. 

Overstaying your visa or stay permit can lead to fines, detention, and/or deportation. 

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Bali Customs and Border Control Rules  

Travelers to Bali must complete a customs declaration for arrival within 2 days of departure to Indonesia, which can also be done online. As always, be sure to check entry requirements with your nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate before embarking on your trip. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the COVID-19 entry requirements for Bali? 

Travelers are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to enter Indonesia or travel domestically, including to Bali. 

What documents do I need to travel to Indonesia?

The documents required for traveling to Indonesia vary depending on the type of visa, but a standard requirement is a passport that is valid for at least six months after entering Indonesia. 

Do I need to take a COVID-19 test before traveling to Bali? 

Unless you have a fever and/or COVID-19 symptoms, there is no need to undergo a PCR test upon arrival. 

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Conclusion 

From passports with 6 months validity to onward or roundtrip flight bookings, there are several requirements to travel to Bali. The exact requirements will depend on the visa you’ll need and the country you’re a citizen of. Requirements can change at any time, so always check before traveling. 

Speaking of traveling to Bali, you might be wondering: Is Bali safe to travel? We have a comprehensive article that answers that question and more. On the other hand, if you have your sights set on Bali for the long term, you’ll want to know the best places to live in Bali

As a leading global insurance brokerage, we have 20+ years of experience helping expats, digital nomads, and their families secure the right health insurance plan for their needs and budget – no matter where they go in the world. 

If you’d like to save the time and hassle it takes to compare health insurance plans, contact our expert advisors for impartial insurance advice and a free plan comparison today. 

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Senior Copywriter at Pacific Prime
Jantra Jacobs is a Senior Copywriter at Pacific Prime with over 10 years of writing and editing experience. She writes and edits a diverse variety of online and offline copy, including sales and marketing materials ranging from articles and advertising copy to reports, guides, RFPs, and more.

Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content – no matter how complex the subject is.

Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
Jantra Jacobs
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